Like in much of Western New York, the fireplace is an alluring and enduring centerpiece of Webster homes. Whether you reside in a grand Queen Anne-style mansion in the Village with a charming Roman brick wood-burning hearth, or a newer Craftsman residence on the waterfront with a modern gas fireplace, annual inspections and periodic sweeping play an important role in maintaining a safer and more efficient fire-burning experience for your home and family, especially during the long, freezing winter.
For more than sixty years, the Felgemacher family has been providing Webster and Erie County homeowners with professional chimney sweep services that meet a higher standard of care.
The Role of A Chimney Sweep
Fire prevention is the number one priority for every CSIA-Certified Chimney Sweep® (CCS®). A certified sweep is a trained professional who has demonstrated a thorough understanding of the physics of “draft,” the chemistry of fuel combustion, and the structural integrity of masonry. In an area where burning wood logs is common, we see plenty of creosote buildup, a highly flammable, tar-like substance that is the number one cause of house fires in Western New York.
Accurate Chimney Inspections
Another important role of a certified chimney sweep is to visually inspect the entire chimney system, including the flues, vents, and attached appliances for any fire, health, and structural hazards. Our sweeps will also insert a specialized high-definition chimney camera into the flue. This routine procedure enables more accurate diagnosis of minor issues, such as hairline fissures in the clay tile liner or flue obstructions, before they escalate into more severe hazards or costly repairs.
Professional Chimney Sweeping in Webster, NY
Our chimney professionals use industrial HEPA vacuums and specialized tools to clean the chimney, vents, and attached heating appliances. During the process, our trained technicians will be suited up in personal protective equipment and will ensure the work area is clean before they leave. Chimney sweeping is vital for:
- Preventing Chimney Fires: Fire prevention is the primary goal of every chimney sweep. We remove all combustible materials, such as creosote buildup, soot, ash, and organic materials that can start a fire when you least expect it.
- Avoiding Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: This is a critical role of a professional sweep. Obstructions such as bird nests, creosote buildup, or debris can block the flue, forcing odorless, colorless, and deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gas back into your living space.
- Improving Efficiency: A clean chimney improves the draft needed to draw in an ample supply of fresh oxygen and expel contaminants, helping your fire burn hotter and brighter with less smoke and creosote.
- Eliminating Odors: Removing decaying organic matter in the flue helps prevent the damp, smoky smell that often permeates your home during the humid summer months.
Expert Masonry Repairs
As a full-service masonry contractor, Felgemacher’s chimney sweeps are uniquely qualified to repair structural vulnerabilities. If our inspection reveals spalling bricks, crumbling mortar joints, or a cracked chimney crown, we have the expertise to restore your chimney’s strength and beauty. In the Snowbelt, where lake-effect moisture is a constant threat, catching these masonry issues early during a routine inspection can save you thousands of dollars in rebuilding costs down the road.
Call Felgemacher for Certified Sweep in Webster, NY
Regardless of how often you light a fire, annual chimney cleaning and inspections are vital to protecting your home against structural damage, health hazards, and fire risks. Our team of trained professionals adheres strictly to local building regulations, the New York State Mechanical Code, and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 211 standards.
Call or fill out the form on our website to schedule your chimney sweep today and experience legendary service from a local company with over 60 years of excellence.
